The company said in a statement that wind resource; the proximity to Campbeltown Airport and local communities; and the impact on recreational sailing in the area were all factors that led to the decision.
Instead, SSE will now concentrate its west coast development at a site 13km off Islay. The company was given exclusive rights to develop both sites by The Crown Estate in 2009.
SSE said it remains committed to developing the Islay site although it presents a number of challenges resulting from difficult weather and seabed conditions.
‘Islay has massive potential to contribute to the Scottish and UK governments’ renewable energy targets,’ said Colin Hood, chief operating officer of SSE. ‘Our proposed timetable for developing this site will allow time for the innovative development of the offshore technology and construction techniques necessary to build a wind farm in such a challenging environment.’
SSE expects to submit an application to develop the site to the Scottish government around the end of 2013.
NAO raises red flag over low heat pump uptake
I can think of why air-source heat pumps are not the technology required to solve this problem. 1. In the real world the average SCOP long-term in the UK is likely to be 2.5 to 3 with many air...